The nation must achieve its national objectives in the current conflicts, while continuing to develop Joint Force 2020, said Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the new Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, in his message to the joint force. It’s important to “provide the greatest possible number of options for our nation’s leaders and to ensure our nation remains immune from coercion,” he wrote in his message, dated Oct. 1. Dempsey urged the Defense Department to renew its commitment to the profession of arms by learning, understanding, and promoting “the knowledge, skills, attributes, and behaviors that define us as a profession.” And, he said it’s vital that DOD leaders “keep faith with our military family,” so all troops can see “the future they have sacrificed to secure.” He also thanked military members and their families for their service. “You make us the finest military on the planet,” he stated. “You are our decisive advantage.”
MH-139 Reaches Initial Operational Capability
Sept. 1, 2026
The Air Force’s new nuclear security helicopter, the MH-139A Grey Wolf, achieved initial operational capability this month—a significant milestone in the service’s effort to replace its Vietnam War-era UH-1N Hueys but years later than originally planned.